Authors' note: Christmas continues in this chapter! Enjoy! And to our fellow Americans, Happy 4th of July!
"Baby," Kiera said softly.
Allison's face went white.
Jon came into the kitchen with Caroline. "Ethan, Maddie was wondering where her cake was..."
"Baby!" Kiera said again, pointing at Allison.
Ethan picked up Kiera. "Sweetheart---"
"Baby, Daddy!" Kiera squirmed.
"What is going on?" Jon asked.
Ethan picked up Kiera. "We'll get your mum's cake in a minute. Come on..."
"Jon," Allison said. "I had no idea. None at all. Ethan brought her in here for cake and she just pointed at me and said baby..."
"Are you having another baby, Mummy?" Caroline asked excitedly.
"We don't' know that she is," Jon said quickly.
"Kiera's never wrong!" Caroline exclaimed.
"There's a first time for everything," Jon said.
"Baby," Emma said happily.
"More Adam," Adam said.
Jon laughed. "Merlin help us."
Allison sat down. "I can't be pregnant again."
"You might not be," Jon said sitting down beside her. "Like I said, Kiera can be wrong."
"I just hope so," Allison said quietly.
Jon put his arm around her.
Allison just shook her head.
"Whatever it is, it'll be okay," Jon reassured her.
"I hope so," Allison felt sick to her stomach. She loved her three children but didn't know if she could handle another one.
"Let's go home," Jon said after a moment.
"It's early and the kids are having fun with their cousins," Allison said.
"Are you sure?" Jon asked her.
"I'll be fine," Allison replied.
Jon gave her a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Allison said quietly.
Jon squeezed her hand. "Come on, Caroline. We'll take that slice of cake to your Aunt Maddie."
"Okay," Caroline agreed, taking the plate.
Jon turned to look at his wife.
"I'll cut the rest of this," Allison said.
"Cake, Mummy," Adam said happily.
"Just another small piece," Allison murmured.
"Eat too," Adam said to her.
"I'm okay," Allison said.
Emma looked at her mother. "Mummy?"
"What is it, love?" Allison asked.
"Why are you sad?" Emma asked.
"I'm not," Allison denied.
"Yes, you are," Emma argued.
"Everything's okay, Em." Allison said.
Emma smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart," Allison kissed the top of her daughter's head and suddenly felt better.
Emma smiled as Allison picked up a napkin and wiped her mouth. "I made a mess, didn't I?" Emma asked.
"It's all right," Allison said affectionately.
Emma giggled. "I didn't do bad as Adam."
Allison looked at her son and laughed. "You are a mess, Adam Jonathan."
"You have icing in your hair," Emma laughed.
Adam reached up to touch it.
Allison stopped him just in time. "Let's not make it worse." She picked him up and carried him over to the faucet.
"No wash!" Adam complained.
'Do you want to be sticky and messy?" Allison asked.
"Yes," Adam said mischievously.
"You're just like your Daddy," Allison said tweaking Adam's nose.
"I know," Adam said.
"Are we having a brother or sister, Mummy?" Emma asked.
"I don't know," Allison said.
"Maybe they'll have dark hair like you and Sissy," Emma said thoughtfully.
"Maybe," Allison said.
"Or red hair like Adam and me and Daddy," Emma said. She picked up a towel and start dancing around the kitchen.
"Me too," Adam wiggled.
"Let me clean you up first," Allison said.
Adam frowned.
"...part of your world," Emma sang.
"Ariel," Allison said. "Try not to run into the chairs."
"Adam, you can be Sebastian," Emma told her brother.
"No," Adam shook his head.
"Yes," Emma said. "You have to."
Allison finished cleaning up her son and set him down. "Maybe he could be Flounder, Em."
"No," Adam shook his head.
Emma stopped dancing. "What do you want to be?"
"Eric," Adam said.
Allison smiled. "The prince."
"You can't," Emma said. "Gabriel is Eric."
"He not here," Adam pointed out.
"So?" Emma asked. "You can't be my husband."
Adam's nose scrunched up. "Ash---Ash be Ariel."
"Adam has a crush on Ashley!" Emma sang.
Allison shook her head. "Emma Madeline, Shhhh."
"But it's true," Emma said.
"Like your crush on Gabe?" Allison reminded her.
"Everyone knows that," Emma replied unabashedly.
Adam looked up at his mother. "Em mean, Mummy."
"Emma, be nice," Allison said. "Don't tease your brother."
Emma looked at Adam. "Okay."
"All right," Allison said. "Why don't you go find Ashley and draw a picture with her?"
Adam grinned. "Kay."
"He loves her," Emma mumbled under her breath.
Allison looked at Emma. "Emma..."
"Sorry," Emma offered.
"Better," Allison said.
Emma scampered out of the room as well.
Allison shook her head and laughed.
She cleaned up the kitchen and joined the rest of her family in the sitting room. She gazed a bit apprehensively at her husband who was sitting with Ethan and Maddie.
"Alright?" Jon asked.
"Sure," Allison replied.
Allison scanned the room and saw Caroline, Kiera and Katie playing with the triplets. Adam was drawing with Ashley and Emma was dancing in the corner by herself.
"Allie," Maddie said. "I don't know what Kiera saw..."
"I'll take a test," Allison said. "To know for sure."
"If you are, we'll deal with it," Jon squeezed her hand.
Allison nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Watch and you'll see," Emma sang. "Someday I'll be..."
"...part of your world," Casey finished.
Emma grinned at her. "You sing good, Case."
Casey beamed at her. "Thanks, Em."
"How is the princess club doing?" Katie asked Emma.
"Brilliant," Emma replied. "Fabulous."
Katie laughed. "I'm glad to hear that."
"She and Hannah are doing really well as the leaders," Caroline told Katie.
"Of course," Katie said. "We trained them well."
"It seems like ages since we did it," Caroline said wistfully.
"But we're just too old for it now," Katie replied.
"Yeah," Caroline said. "But, it was still great because it was you and me."
"Well once you come to Hogwarts, we can do other stuff," Katie said.
Caroline smiled. "It will be great having you there to show me around, Katie."
"Especially if you get in Slytherin." Katie said.
Caroline did not think she would ever make it into Slytherin and from what she'd heard, she wasn't sure she wanted to. But, she didn't tell Katie this. "Yeah," Caroline said instead.
"You'll try?" Katie asked.
"How would I try to get in there?" Caroline asked curiously.
"Just try to act more like me," Katie told her.
"It's going to be hard," Caroline commented. "Katie, everyone in my family's always been Gryffindor."
"So has mine," Katie said. "Well... my mum and Ashley..."
"Your other Grandfather was in Slytherin," Caroline said. "He was kind of scary."
"He can't be all bad," Katie said.
"He said some horrible things about your parents and your Grandma Hermione," Caroline argued.
"But he was mad at them," Katie said, feeling the ring in her pocket. She couldn't wait to pull it out and look at it properly.
Caroline couldn't believe Katie was actually defending that man.
"Maybe no one's ever given him a chance," Katie replied.
"He called your grandmother a bad name," Caroline said.
"You're so sensitive," Katie said.
Caroline stood up. "I'm going to go and check on my brother."
"He's colouring with Ash," Katie said.
"I know," Caroline said over her shoulder.
Katie watched Caroline cross the room and sighed.
She was about to take the ring out of her pocket when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She looked u to see her father. "Daddy, you scared me."
"What are you up to?" Nick asked.
"Nothing," Katie replied.
"How come you're sitting all by yourself?" Nick sat down next to her.
"Caroline's gone to check on Adam," Katie said. "What are you doing, Daddy?"
"Nothing much," Nick replied. "Waiting for Molly to bring out the leftovers..."
Katie smiled. "Where's Mum?"
"Apparently Kiera thinks Allison is pregnant, so she's over there talking about that," Nick said.
"She is?" Katie asked.
"We don't know for sure," Nick replied.
Katie wondered if that was what was truly bothering Caroline.
"Are you happy with all your presents?" Nick asked.
Katie nodded. "Thanks, Daddy."
Nick smiled at her. "We're proud of how well you're doing in school."
Katie grinned back at him. "I've worked really hard."
"And you and Ashley have been getting along," Nick said.
"I like it when we don't fight," Katie admitted.
"Us too," Nick grinned.
"And I really like being in Slytherin," Katie said. "I'm trying to convince Caroline to be more like me so she can get in there, too."
"Sweetheart I don't think the hat works that way," Nick said. "It reads what's inside a person, not what they're thinking."
"You didn't go there, Daddy," Katie said with a sigh.
"I've heard stories from your mum," Nick said.
"Well, she can still try," Katie said stubbornly.
"Sure she can," Nick said. "But don't be disappointed if she doesn't wind up there."
"We'll still be best friends no matter what," Katie told him.
"I'm glad to hear that," Nick smoothed her hair back.
"Daddy," Katie began. "Can I put green streaks in my hair?"
"I beg your pardon?" Nick asked.
"Streaks," Katie said. "Green will match my school robes."
"I--uh," Nick stammered. "You should ask your mum."
"But if she says yes," Katie said hopefully. "I want to do something different..."
"If she says yes, okay," Nick said. "But, you know what? I think you look beautiful just the way you are."
"I want to look older," Katie said.
"Older?" Nick asked. "Sweetheart---"
"Just a little bit," Katie said. "I still look like I'm in primary school."
"No, you don't," Nick tried to reassure her. "You're a beautiful eleven year old young woman."
Katie half smiled. "You have to say that. You're my dad."
"I'd say that even if you weren't my daughter," Nick said. He waved for Julie.
Katie held her breath. She really hoped Julie would agree to let her change her hair. She badly wanted to impress her friends back at school.
"What's going on?" Julie asked.
"Daddy says if you say yes, I can change my hair," Katie said.
Julie raised an eyebrow. "Change your hair how?"
"Well... I really want to put streaks in," Katie hedged.
"Your hair is lovely as it is," Julie said smoothing Katie's hair. "You're beautiful, baby."
"It's so boring," Katie pouted. "It's always been this long and plain old brown. I hate it."
"It's lovely," Julie argued. "Katie---"
"What's going on?" Ashley asked coming over to join them.
"Mum and Dad won't let me change anything about myself," Katie said, angry tears welling up in her eyes.
Nick sighed.
"What is it you want to do, Katie?" Ashley asked.
"Just do some cool green streaks to match my robes," Katie said. "And maybe cut it to here," she indicated her shoulders. "I just hate looking the same ALL the time."
"Maybe it wouldn't be too drastic," Nick said to Julie.
Katie was heartened by this. "I think it would look really good. Please?"
Julie looked thoughtfully at Nick.
"Jules, I think it would be okay," Nick said. "She's not asking to dye it entirely green. A few streaks wouldn't look bad. She can even go to my stylist..."
Katie grinned. "Daddy, really? Zoë is soooooooooo cool!"
Nick smiled at her. "I'll ring her tomorrow morning."
Katie threw her arms around her father. "You are the best daddy ever!"
"If it looks tacky, it's back to brown," Julie said. "But I guess we'll see how things go."
"Thanks, Mummy," Katie said. She could already envision Piper and Jemima's faces when they saw her new look. "It won't look tacky."
"What about you?" Julie asked Ashley. "Anything you'd like to change?"
Ashley grinned. "No, no red streaks for me, Mum."
Julie smiled. "That's all right, then."
"But I think it will look cool on you, Katie," Ashley said thoughtfully.
"Thanks," Katie said happily. "I'm so excited!"
Julie hugged her daughter. "I still think you're beautiful as you are."
"Yeah but you're my mum," Katie said. "You'd say that no matter what."
Julie laughed. "I'm completely unbiased."
"I'm sure Zoë will fit you in tomorrow if you can make time in your busy schedule," Nick teased his youngest daughter.
Katie giggled. "I can."
Ashley wondered if Katie really wanted to do this or if it was something else that Jemima wanted.
Katie hurried off to tell Caroline.
"Alright, Ashley?" Nick asked.
Ashley nodded. "Why?"
"You looked deep in thought," Nick said. "But, you always look like that."
"I don't mean to," Ashley said.
Nick put his arm around her. "You don't have to apologise. You're our little thinker."
"I've been having fun drawing with Adam," Ashley said. "He's so cute."
"He seems to be having a great time too," Julie commented.
"We're all having fun," Ashley said. "Thank you so much for my new pencils and my other drawing stuff."
"Of course," Julie said. "We're glad you like them, Ashley."
"They're going to be so good when I go to draw the castle," Ashley said. "For shading."
"Speaking of the castle," Julie said reaching for her mobile phone. "How would you like to ring your friends?"
"That would be great," Ashley brightened.
Julie smiled. "You can go upstairs for some quiet."
"I won't be long," Ashley promised.
Ashley hurried upstairs and into Uncle Ron's old room. She closed the door behind her and sat down on the old bed.
She dialled Zander's home number. She knew Brittany would also be there that day.
"Hello?" Zander said when he picked up the phone.
"Happy Christmas!" Ashley exclaimed.
"Back at you Malfoy," Zander said with a laugh.
"How's your day going?" Ashley asked.
"Great," Zander replied. He told her some of the things he'd received. "How about yours?"
"More drawing stuff like always," Ashley said. "My parents got me these great shading pencils."
"That's great," Zander replied. "Speaking of which, thanks for the drawing of me that you sent. That one of me on my broom for my first match? It was fantastic. My mother can't stop talking about it."
"I'm really glad she liked it," Ashley said.
"I miss you," Zander said.
"I miss you guys too," Ashley said. "But we're going to have a party on New Year's Eve right?"
"Absolutely," Zander said. "No slumber party this time..."
Ashley smiled as she thought about what had happened at that party.
"If we did that again, I imagine you and Brit would paint my nails or make me wear mud..."
"So not true," Ashley laughed.
"It'll be fun," Zander hesitated a moment. "I invited Celia."
"That's fine," Ashley reassured him. "She's your---well, she's your---"
"We're not really boyfriend and girlfriend," Zander said. "But I like her."
"That's great," Ashley said. "Um, how's Brit?"
"She's fine," Zander said. "Got an owl from Evan today so she's on cloud nine."
Ashley laughed. "You're not teasing her, are you?"
"Maybe just a bit," he said.
"A lot," Ashley corrected.
"She's been bugging me too about Celia," Zander said in defence.
"Brit giving you a hard time?" Ashley asked. "I can't believe it."
"You know us too well," Zander said dryly.
"Fighting to you both is like breathing," Ashley laughed.
"Just like you and Katie," Zander joked.
"For your information, Mr. Murray, Katie and I are getting along," Ashley said.
"Wait, let me clean out my ears," Zander said. "You two are WHAT?"
"Getting along," Ashley said. "We can do that, you know."
"Well I'm sure your parents are happy about that," Zander replied.
"They are," Ashley said. She told him about her grandparents' surprise arrival.
"They sound horrible, Ash," Zander said. "But, don't take what they said to heart. They're too into themselves."
"I'm not," Ashley said. "I won't waste my time anymore."
"You're better off," Zander said to her.
"Probably," Ashley agreed.
"Brit wants to speak to you," Zander said. "Happy Christmas, Ash!"
"You too," Ashley said. "I'll ring you again tomorrow."
"Ashley!" Brittany exclaimed.
"Happy Christmas," Ashley said, happy to hear her friend's voice.
"How are things at the Burrow?" Brittany asked. "Is Andrew there? Oh, Merlin, I bet he looks good. Oh, did you get a lot of good stuff? I did, especially from Evan, but I'm going to have to change the colour of the jumper. Orange doesn't really suit me."
Ashley laughed. "Brit, take a breath."
"Sorry," Brittany said. "But he sent me the cutest letter today..."
"What did it say?" Ashley asked.
"Just that he missed me and can't wait to see me on New Year's Eve," Brittany said coyly.
Ashley smiled. "Your romantic reunion..."
"Oh yes," Brittany said dramatically. "And..."
Ashley laughed. "No details, Brit."
"No it's a good thing," Brittany insisted. "He wants to bring his cousin James to meet you on New Year's Eve."
"James?" Ashley asked.
"Yeah," Brittany said. "He really wants to meet you."
"Brit, I don't want a boyfriend," Ashley protested.
"He doesn't have to be," Brittany insisted.
"So you're not trying to match make?" Ashley asked.
Brittany was silent.
Ashley laughed. "Brit..."
"I just think you should meet him," Brittany said.
"Okay," Ashley said.
"Good!" Brittany said happily. "We're all going to have so much fun."
"I think so too," Ashley said. "I can't wait to see you guys."
"We've missed you," Brittany told her.
"I've missed you," Ashley said. "I'll ring you tomorrow. I promise."
"Okay," Brittany agreed. "Tell Katie I said hello and Happy Christmas."
"I will," Ashley promised. "And um...she'll look a little different next time you see her."
"Why?" Brittany asked curiously.
"You'll just have to see," Ashley said.
"Now you've got me wondering," Brittany said.
"She wants to surprise everyone," Ashley explained.
"Okay," Brittany said. "I'll have to drop by later this week."
"Great," Ashley said. "And be nice to Zander, Brit."
"Only if he's nice to me," Brittany said. "Bye, Ash."
Ashley laughed. "Bye, Brit."
She went back downstairs and gave the phone back to her father. "Thanks, Dad."
"How are they?" Nick asked.
"Good," Ashley said. "Having a nice Christmas."
Nick mussed his daughter's hair. "I saved you a piece of cake."
"Thanks," Ashley said. "I'm hungry."
"I had to sneak it away from Uncle Ron," Nick told her.
"I guess I better eat it fast then," Ashley said.
Ashley looked over at her father. "It must have been strange, huh? To see your parents after all this time, I mean."
Nick shrugged. "They stopped being parents a very long time ago, Ash."
"I'm glad that you had Greta," Ashley said.
"Me too," Nick told her, mussing her hair.
"Dad?" Ashley asked. "Was there anything good about them?"
"Not that I can recall," Nick replied. "Ever since I was a kid, they were barely around... and only when I didn't want them anymore did they want me."
Ashley nodded. "They missed out, Dad."
"Especially on the two best granddaughters," Nick said, looking affectionately at his oldest daughter.
Ashley smiled. "Thanks, Dad."
"Ash," Adam came over to her. "Go draw."
Ashley picked him up. "Did you finish your last picture?"
"Yes," Adam said. "For you."
Ashley grinned and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Adam."
Adam grinned at her. "Come see."
Ashley carried him back over to the coffee table. She set him down and the little redhead proudly picked up his picture and handed it to her. "See?"
"Oh that's wonderful, Adam," Ashley said. "You're very, very good at drawing."
Adam beamed at her.
Ashley gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll put this on my wall at home."
Adam clapped his little hands.
"We can draw another picture together," Ashley said, sitting down next to him. "What should it be of?"
Adam thought for a moment. "Maxi?"
"Okay," Ashley agreed. "How about I draw him and you can colour him in."
Adam nodded. "Kay."
Ashley smiled at him and began to sketch a picture of Max.
"Our son has it bad," Jon whispered to Allison.
"Ashley's sweet to indulge him," Allison said.
"She is," Jon agreed. "We'll hear about this for awhile from him."
Allison smiled as Adam gestured excitedly to the picture Ashley was drawing.
"Maxi, Mummy!" Adam exclaimed.
Allison nodded. "It looks just like him."
"Does!" Adam exclaimed.
"Well wait until you colour it in," Ashley said, her pencil flying across the page.
"Ash good," Adam said.
"Thanks Adam," Ashley smiled at him.
Adam turned and looked at his parents with such a smile that they couldn't help but smile back at him.
Jon reached for his wife's hand. "How are you feeling, Al?"
"I'm okay," Allison said squeezing his hand.
Jon slid his arm around her as she moved closer to him.
"Not the Christmas present I was planning on giving you," Allison said softly.
"We don't know for sure," Jon replied.
"She's never been wrong," Allison said. "But, it's not like this would be the end of the world. I mean, we have three wonderful children..."
"And we could have one more," Jon nuzzled her cheek.
"Another son to even things out?" Allison laughed.
"Sure," Jon said with a grin.
"Or it could be another little girl," Allison said thoughtfully. "You and Adam left defenceless with all this estrogen..."
"If she's as sweet as you and our other girls, I wouldn't mind a bit." Jon replied.
"Or a little boy as cute as you and Adam," Allison said.
"Maybe we shouldn't get our hopes up just in case," Jon said.
"Right," Allison said. "It could just be a false alarm or Kiera was listening to the chocolate cake in my stomach..."
Jon smiled.
Allison gave him a kiss. "We'll find out soon."
"You better believe it," Jon tugged at her ponytail.
Allison laughed. "What a night."
"It's always eventful here," Jon nodded.
"Never a dull moment," Allison said.
"We should get going in a bit," Jon said. "We still have to clean up from this morning."
Adam heard this and turned around. "No, go!"
"Not right now," Jon said. "But in a little while."
Ashley patted Adam on the shoulder. "We still have to colour in Max, right?"
"Right," Adam nodded. "Stay with Ash."
"What colour do you want to use?" Ashley asked holding out the crayon box.
"That one," Adam pointed to the red.
'Perfect choice," Ashley said turning the paper over to him.
"I stay in the lines," Adam said.
Ashley smiled. "You'll do great, Adam."
Adam grasped the crayon in his fist and began to carefully colour in the picture of Max.
"You're so patient with him," Allison commented to Ashley.
"He's a good boy," Ashley said.
Adam grinned at her.
"He's my special buddy," Ashley smoothed back his hair. "Maybe sometime soon we can get together and draw all day."
"He would love that, wouldn't you Adam?" Allison asked.
"YES!" Adam shouted.
Ashley laughed. "We'll have a good time."
"Right now," Adam said.
Ashley smiled. "I'll see you at Emma's birthday, Adam. And I'll definitely come by before I go back to school."
"Okay," Adam agreed.
In the kitchen, Hermione was sitting alone with Ellie. Andrew and Saffron had decided to go for a walk.
Hermione looked down at the baby in her arms and wished that her mother could have seen her great-granddaughter. "She would have loved you, Ellie."
Ellie yawned in response.
Hermione remembered how Elinore would sit with her grandchildren and just hold them or read them stories. It was times like this that she missed her mother the most.
"I promise I'm going to be as good a grandmother to you as my mum was to Julie, Ethan and Saffron," Hermione said softly.
Ellie cooed happily up at her.
"I promise," Hermione kissed the infant's little forehead.
"I was wondering where you were," Julie said coming into the kitchen.
"Just spending a little quality time with my granddaughter," Hermione said with a grin.
Julie smiled. "Alone time with Gran."
"She's so sweet," Hermione looked down at Ellie.
"She gets that from Andrew," Julie joked.
"Yes she does," Hermione laughed. "Although Saffron wasn't really too fussy."
"She was a good baby," Julie recalled.
"She loved Nick," Hermione nodded.
"And Ethan," Julie said with a grin. "My how things have changed..."
"She still loves her brother," Hermione said.
"Yes, she does," Julie said. "And that little one seems to love her grandmother." Ellie wrapped her little hand around Hermione's finger.
"I can't get enough of her," Hermione said. "Her or Gwyn."
"You're a great grandmother," Julie said smiling at her mother.
Hermione laughed. "I hope they still think that when they get older."
"I'm sure they will," Julie said. "Ashley and Katie adore you."
"They're my beautiful girls," Hermione said.
"They're lucky they had you considering their other grandmother," Julie said shaking her head.
"I can't believe that," Hermione sighed. "That woman will never grow up."
"Never," Julie agreed.
"Katie does seem to have a bit more Malfoy in her, but you've balanced that out well." Hermione said.
"She has a good heart," Julie said. "She's just---ambitious."
"Very," Hermione agreed. "That's going to help her later on."
"And I'm so proud of her for how hard she's worked," Julie said.
"Even in Slytherin, she doesn't seem to be doing badly," Hermione said. "And her reading has improved so much."
"It has," Julie said proudly.
"And I'm sure the girls love having you at the school," Hermione continued.
Julie laughed. "Let's wait until they're older and see how they feel. Especially Katie."
"Emma will be there in a few more years," Hermione shook her head.
"Where does the time go?" Julie wondered.
"I don't know," Hermione said. "Sometimes I still can't believe you three have children of your own now."
Julie put her hand on her mother's shoulder. "We're who we are because of you and Dad."
"We always thought we raised you three well," Hermione looked at the infant in her arms.
"I like to think we turned out well," Julie said.
"You did," Hermione nodded. "All three of you."
The backdoor opened and Saffron and Andrew came inside. "It's freezing out there!" Saffron exclaimed, taking off her cloak.
"It started getting really windy," Andrew said, reaching for her cloak to hang it up.
"Has she been okay?" Saffron asked her mother.
"She's been perfect," Hermione nodded.
Saffron grinned. "Thanks for watching her for us, Mum."
"Anytime," Hermione said. "You don't have to take her if you don't want her back just yet..."
Saffron laughed. "You can bond."
"Good," Hermione said happily.
"You're as bad as my mum was today," Andrew teased.
"I can't blame her one bit for not wanting to let this one go," Hermione smiled at Ellie.
"We had to sneak Ellie out," Saffron joked.
"She already can't wait to start watching her when Saf goes back to work," Andrew added.
"I can imagine," Hermione said making a funny face at Ellie.
Saffron stretched her back. "I feel like we're getting spoiled here."
Julie laughed. "Enjoy it while you can, Saf."
"Nick already said Ash was the perfect baby until she started teething," Saffron remarked. "After that..."
"Ellie will be perfect," Andrew said confidently.
Julie laughed. "Keep telling yourself that..."
"She will be," Andrew said. "Right, Saf? She's been great so far."
"Perfect," Saffron nodded.
"Again, I have to say enjoy it while you can," Julie said grinning at her sister.
Saffron carefully took her daughter into her arms. "It won't matter."
"Not at all," Andrew agreed.
"We probably should get her home," Saffron said.
"Bedtime for Miss Ellie Kirke," Andrew said. "I'll just go and get her carrier."
"Thanks," Saffron replied.
Andrew gave her a kiss before leaving the kitchen.
Saffron patted Ellie's back. "It's past her bedtime."
Ellie yawned and rested her head on Saffron's shoulder.
"My girl," she said softly.
Harry came into the kitchen. "Hey---Andrew said you were heading out."
"It's past her bedtime," Saffron motioned to Ellie. "So we thought we'd get her home."
Harry came over and kissed his granddaughter's soft cheek. "Happy Christmas, Ellie."
"I'll ring you tomorrow," Saffron promised.
Harry smiled at his youngest daughter. "Love you, Saf."
"Love you too Dad," Saffron grinned at him as Andrew came back in with the carrier. She put Ellie's little cloak on her and settled her in.
"Night, Saffy," Julie said. "And we have to get together, you, me and Mum for our spa visit." Saffron smiled. "Name the date and I'm there."
"We'll figure it out and let you know," Julie promised.
By the time Saffron and Andrew arrived home, Ellie was asleep in her carrier. Andrew gingerly lifted Ellie out of her carrier.
"I'll put her to bed," Andrew told his fiancée. "Go feed Puddles."
Saffron nodded. "Okay."
Andrew carried Ellie into the nursery and made quick work of changing her into the tiny set of pyjamas his parents had given them that morning.
Ellie let out a soft cry. Andrew picked her up and hugged her to him. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. You can go back to sleep now."
Ellie let out a little choked sob.
"You were the best Christmas present I've ever received," Andrew said softly.
Ellie sniffled and blinked up at him.
"I love you," Andrew whispered as he gently set her down in her crib.
Ellie whimpered again her eyes closing already.
Andrew started the mobile above her bed and a lullaby filled the room. Andrew watched her for a few moments.
He smiled as he watched his daughter's eyes droop. He still sometimes couldn't believe he was a father.
"Night, Ellie," Andrew said before turning out the lights. He grabbed the baby monitor and headed downstairs.
Saffron had just put a dish of food down for her dog. "There you go, baby."
Puddles looked up at her.
"El's out," Andrew told Saffron.
"She had a big day," Saffron said.
"We all did," Andrew replied. "It was fun watching Ellie and Gwyn interact."
"I have a feeling those two are going to be partners in crime," Saffron said walking over to him and looping her arms around his neck.
Andrew gave her a kiss.
"Best Christmas ever," Saffron said resting her forehead on his.
"Yes it was," Andrew agreed.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Maddie were just arriving home from the Burrow as well.
"Baby," Kiera said sleepily.
"Gwyn's right here," Maddie replied.
"And it's past time for you and your sister to be in bed," Ethan said. He carried Kiera upstairs followed by Maddie who was holding Gwyn.
"More baby," Kiera said to him.
Ethan laughed. "You mean your Aunt Allie?"
"Baby," Kiera said.
Ethan set her down. "Well, you are my baby and I'm going to help you get ready for bed."
Kiera sent him a little smile.
"Our little psychic," Ethan grinned.
Kiera yawned, her head drooping forward as Ethan worked on changing her into her pyjamas.
"Look who is wide awake," Maddie said looking down at Gwyn.
"We'll stay up with her for awhile," Ethan said, picking Kiera back up.
"Buh?" Kiera asked.
"We'll put Blue in his cage by your bed," Ethan promised his daughter.
Kiera smiled.
Ethan set her in her crib then went to get the pixie. "Come on little guy," he said to Blue.
Blue rattled his cage.
Ethan opened the door and Blue darted to the nursery.
Kiera clapped her hands. "Buh! Buh! Hi, Buh!"
Blue cackled and flitted around her head.
Maddie reached into her pocket. "Come here, Blue..."
"What did you bring back for him?" Ethan asked, opening the door to the cage they kept next to Kiera's crib.
"A little Santa hat," Maddie said putting it on top of Blue's head. "And....a chocolate chip biscuit."
Ethan laughed as the pixie downed the biscuit in one bite.
Kiera giggled. "Buh eat, Mummy."
"He's a good eater," Maddie nodded.
"I wonder where he got that from," Ethan mused.
"Not me," Maddie said innocently.
"Not you, eh?" Ethan asked, shaking his head. He looked at his youngest daughter. "What do you think, Gwyn?"
Gwyn sent him a toothless grin.
"I'm just surprised you saved the biscuit for Blue and didn't eat it yourself," Ethan teased his wife.
"I was tempted," Maddie revealed with a laugh. "But I know how much he loves them."
"Almost as much as you," Ethan said.
"Almost," Maddie nodded.
Kiera yawned from her crib.
"Bedtime for you," Ethan said, turning on the mobile with his wand. "I love you baby girl."
"Hug, Mummy," Kiera said reaching her hand up. "Mummy---"
Ethan took Gwyn from Maddie. "You can't pass that request up."
Maddie smiled and walked over to her daughter's crib. She leaned over and hugged Kiera. "My sweet girl. I love you so much. You know that, right?"
Kiera smiled at her.
Maddie kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams."
Ethan carried Gwyn into the sitting room. His daughter looked up at him with her wide eyes.
"I think all the excitement of the day has thrown her off a bit," Maddie said thoughtfully.
"Probably," Ethan agreed.
"I just hope Nana's okay," Maddie said sitting down on the sofa.
"I think she will be," Ethan nodded. "Everyone will keep her mind off what happened."
Maddie nodded. "I hope so. At least Bill, Fleur and their children are staying with them. That will help."
"Yeah it will," Ethan agreed. "You could have stayed too, if you wanted."
Maddie smiled. "I'll go over tomorrow morning to check on her."
Ethan moved over so he was sitting next to his wife.
Maddie smiled at him. "This is perfect."
"Yes it is," he said as they both gazed down at Gwyn.
"Happy Christmas, Gwyn," Maddie whispered.
"She'll remember next one more," Ethan commented.
Maddie smiled. "She'll be talking and crawling..."
"And Kiera will be all over the place," Ethan said.
"The terrible twos," Maddie giggled.
"If she's like you, we won't have anything to worry about," Ethan said softly.
Maddie gave him a kiss.
"Love you Mads," Ethan said. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Maddie said smiling at him. "Always have and always will."
"I hope Kiera doesn't see her husband when she's four," Ethan said half jokingly. "Because she'll never get to meet him."
Maddie looked at him. "So I guess I shouldn't tell you about the vision I had of her and Nathan Barron, then."
"Maddie--" Ethan began.
"Kidding," Maddie said laughing.
"Don't do that to me," Ethan said.
"I saw the way he was looking at her when they were playing the other day," Maddie said. "Their eyes met over the blocks..."
"I can't listen to this," Ethan shook his head.
Maddie laughed. "Remember how you teased your father about how upset he would get over Saffy dating..."
"I didn't like it either," Ethan said defensively.
Maddie patted his arm. "You won't have to worry about it for years, Ethan. Kiera and Gwyn are still babies and they'll always be Daddy's girls."
"They sure will," Ethan nodded, kissing Gwyn's forehead.
"And I didn't have any visions about Nathan and Kiera," Maddie reassured him.
"Good," Ethan said. "We'd be moving tomorrow if you did."
Maddie laughed. "Gwyn, your daddy is silly."
Gwyn smiled at her parents.
"Will you be this way when we have sons?" Maddie asked her husband.
"I don't know," Ethan said thoughtfully. "I think fathers aren't as worried about their boys but they expect more out of them."
Maddie smiled. "The way your father was with you."
"I guess it's just the way things are," Ethan said.
"It's the way Daddy was with Drew, Darla and me," Maddie said.
"And Dad was always protective of Jules and Saffy," Ethan recalled.
"Don't worry," Maddie grinned. "I'll be there to keep you in check."
Ethan grinned back at her.
Maddie rested her head on Ethan's shoulder.
"Tired?" he asked her.
"Yes," Maddie admitted.
"Go to bed if you want," Ethan said. "I'll stay up with Gwyn until she goes down."
"Are you sure?" Maddie asked.
Ethan nodded. "Go ahead."
Maddie kissed Gwyn's cheek. "Night, sweetheart."
"I'm sure I'll be in soon," Ethan told her as she stood up.
Ethan leaned back on the sofa and Gwyn cooed happily in his arms. "You're not even tired? Not even a little bit, love?"
Gwyn reached up towards his face.
Ethan smiled. "What is it?"
Gwyn grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled.
"Ow!" Ethan yelped.
Gwyn let out a gurgle. Ethan couldn't tell if it was a laugh as he worked to free his hair.
"Quite a grip you have there, Miss Potter," Ethan said.
Gwyn just looked up at him and Ethan grinned. "I suppose that's okay."
Gwyn smiled back at him.
It was almost another hour before Gwyn finally fell asleep and Ethan carefully set her into her crib and checked on Kiera.
Kiera was fast asleep and Ethan leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Daddy," Kiera mumbled.
"Sleep, Kiera," Ethan whispered.
He waited a few more moments before slipping out of the nursery and joining his wife in their bedroom.
Maddie was sleeping and he smiled as he thought of all that she had brought into his life.
He didn't take his eyes off her as he got undressed and slid into bed next to her.
"Pudding," Maddie mumbled.
"What?" Ethan asked.
"Muffin," Maddie mumbled, cuddling up to her husband. "Biscuits...and chocolate..."
Ethan chuckled. "Your favourite kind of dream..."
Maddie's eyes blinked open. "What?"
"How was your dream?" Ethan asked with a grin.
Maddie looked blearily at him. "My what?"
"Something about chocolate, and pudding," Ethan brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.
Maddie giggled. "That sounds like something I'd dream about."
Ethan gave her a kiss. "Yes it does."
"How are Gwyn and Kiera?" Maddie asked closing her eyes.
"Fast asleep," Ethan replied. "Finally..."
Maddie laughed. "Gwyn loved having alone time with her daddy, I'm sure."
"I loved it too," Ethan replied.
"You're a great father, Ethan," Maddie said softly.
"You're a good mum," Ethan said, stroking her hair back again.
"We're so lucky," Maddie said.
"We are," Ethan agreed. "Two beautiful, healthy girls."
"And a pixie," Maddie grinned.
"Can't forget him," Ethan said dryly.
Maddie pinched him in the side. "Very funny."
"Hey," Ethan said. "That wasn't nice."
Maddie laughed. "You need to be nicer to Blue, Ethan. The girls love him and he loves the girls."
"I'm nice to him," Ethan replied. "I like him just fine."
"And if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have him," Maddie said softly.
"Exactly," Ethan said.
Maddie gave him a kiss. "Good night, Ethan."
"Night," Ethan said quietly, watching her eyes close
It didn't take long for Maddie to fall back asleep and Ethan held his wife feeling that right now at this moment, life was about as close to perfect as you could get.